This year, better-for-you and confectionery category winners chosen by more than 40,000 consumers in the United States included the following: Toffifay by Storck USA in sugar confections; Oreo Chocolate Bar …

Natasha’s Just Brittle specializes in artisan brittle made with simple ingredients. Available in 30-plus varieties, the company also sells traditional flavors including Almond, Cashew, Dulce De Leche and Peanut.

At ISM in Cologne on Jan. 28, Barry Callebaut hosted a pre-publication launch event for "Hidden Persuaders in Cocoa and Chocolate: A Flavor Lexicon for Cocoa and Chocolate Sensory Professionals." As someone who has been interested in the topic professionally for nearly two decades, I was happy to accept the invitation to the launch.